Pristine cubes
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WORK • Wednesday Routine
Flipping out
GYPSY SNIDER • creator/artistic director/producer • Dear San Francisco
Neighborhood you live in: Mission Bay
It’s Wednesday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
Wednesday is the beginning of our show week for Dear San Francisco. Club Fugazi, where it’s being mounted, gets deliveries from all of our local North Beach food and beverage vendors. The staff and box office start preparing for the audience to arrive. Costumes are being cleaned and repaired in the green room. The cast and crew remove the ghost light from the stage so we can get to training and rehearsals. And doors open to tours of the historic venue before the show starts.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Preparing last-minute changes to the dialogue, choreography, and acrobatic tricks for some local performers who have just rejoined the show. Also, testing some new music and choreography for the upcoming “Home for the Holidays” version of Dear San Francisco.
Any restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
I love to have a little drink and bite to eat before heading to Club Fugazi at either Firenze By Night or Original Joe’s. Between shows on the weekends, I love to grab pizza at either Tony’s Pizza Neapolitana or Golden Boy. Then a coffee at Compton’s when I am on the run or Caffe Trieste, when I want to sit down and feel the authentic vibes (like I did when I was a teen in the ‘80s).
How about a little leisure or culture?
Hanging out in Washington Square Park is always magic. On Saturdays, there’s a gathering for people who want to learn to juggle or try some acrobatics! I personally love to drop in at City Lights Bookstore. I feel transported and connected, just taking in the literature and history in that building.
Any weekend getaways?
I head down to Santa Cruz whenever possible. I have family there and love the cozy feel of the town. I always stop at Bean Hollow Beach on the way down and back. Bean Hollow is right off of Highway 1, just past Half Moon Bay, and it’s a stunning little cove.
What was your last great vacation?
Because I travel so much for work, I don’t often travel for vacations. But I always love being in New York City. I love seeing shows and visiting museums. I always try to stay at the Washington Square Hotel, because it’s old school perfection, right on the park. When I need a great dinner with the best atmosphere for being with friends or an intimate meal, my go-to is Max in Tribeca.
What’s a recent big-ticket purchase you love?
I just bought tickets for a friend and myself to go see a Warriors game. We walked along the water to get to the Chase Center. We got great food and drinks at the game, and watched the game while talking about life. You get real friend time while also watching Steph Curry Dub magic.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Kabuki Springs & Spa in Japantown is amazing.
Where are you donating your time or money?
I make steady donations to NPR and KQED.
WORK LINKS: How AI bums out workers… and yet, workers say AI’s potential greatly outweighs their anxieties • Insiders promoted to CEO perform better than outside saviors • This spring’s college grads are probably moving back home • Electricians are very hot right now • The retirement number is just an illusion.
RESTAURANTS • First Word
Good deeds
The Skinny: The latest bar and restaurant from chef Adam Rosenblum and bartender Elmer Mejicanos, who made their name with classic Marina burger spot Causwells, is Super Mensch. They initially opened the lovely low-ABV spot Lilah in the space next door last year, but after scoring a full liquor license, they flipped it into this retro venue inspired by Jewish delis.